Aug 1, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Coram House, Junior School, Senior School, Sixth Form
We are deeply saddened to hear the news regarding Mount St Mary’s College and Barlborough Hall School. Our heartfelt thoughts are with all pupils, parents, and staff as they navigate this unsettling and uncertain time.
At Ackworth School, our priority is to provide warmth, care, and a sense of belonging for every child. We understand how challenging change can be — especially when it comes unexpectedly — and we are committed to making transitions as smooth as possible.
As a co-educational boarding and day school, we take pride in ensuring every pupil is known, nurtured, and encouraged to thrive. Many pupils who join Ackworth quickly come to think of our campus as their “happy place” — a safe, inspiring environment where they can flourish academically, socially, and personally.
We offer:
- A nurturing, values-led community built on kindness and respect
- Tailored academic support for pupils transitioning from other schools
- Excellent boarding provision with flexible options for families
- A rich co-curricular programme encouraging pupils to lead, create, and achieve
- An inclusive co-educational environment where every child is encouraged to grow in confidence
If you are exploring the next chapter for your child, we are here to guide and support you. Please contact James Busson, Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communications via WhatsApp on 07874 452377 or email admissions@ackworthschool.com.
Jun 14, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Quaker, Senior School, Sixth Form
We are truly saddened by the closure of Queen Margaret’s School and the uncertainty it brings to so many families. At Ackworth School, we want to offer support, care and a sense of belonging during this time of change.
Ackworth is a co-educational boarding and day school where every pupil is known, nurtured and encouraged to thrive. Many girls joining us from single-sex schools quickly come to call our campus their happy space — a place where they feel safe, confident and inspired.
We offer:
A nurturing, values-led community
Tailored academic support for transitioning pupils
Excellent boarding provision and flexible options
A full co-curricular programme where girls are encouraged to lead and achieve
A vibrant, inclusive co-ed community rooted in kindness and confidence
If you’re exploring options for your daughter’s next chapter, we’re here for you. You can call James Busson, Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communications directly on WhatsApp: 07874 452377 or email admissions@ackworthschool.com.
Mar 26, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
Ackworth School is delighted to announce the appointment of former West Bromwich Albion, Walsall, Birmingham City, and England Under-21 player Gary Childs as its new Assistant Director of Football from April 2025. With a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, Gary will play a key role in the development of young footballing talent at the school.
Childs, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs including West Bromwich Albion — where he earned his England U21 caps — Walsall, Birmingham City, and Grimsby Town, brings extensive coaching expertise to his new role. Notably, his time at Walsall saw the club achieve its best-ever cup run, highlighting his contributions at the highest levels of the game. Having worked with elite youth players for many years, his appointment signals the school’s commitment to fostering footballing excellence.
Speaking on his appointment, Gary said:
“I am thrilled to be joining Ackworth School and working alongside a fantastic team. The opportunity to help nurture and develop young players in such a forward-thinking environment is something I am very passionate about. I look forward to bringing my experience to the role and helping students reach their full potential.”
Ackworth School’s Head, Martyn Beer, expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition to the coaching staff, saying:
“We are delighted to welcome Gary to Ackworth School. His impressive career and dedication to developing young talent make him a fantastic asset to our football programme. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our footballing structure and offer the best possible opportunities for our students.”
John McDermott, Director of Football at Ackworth School and former teammate of Childs at Grimsby Town, also shared his excitement about the appointment:
“Having played and coached alongside Gary, I know firsthand the leadership, skill, and passion he brings to the game. His ability to inspire young players is second to none, and I have no doubt that he will have a hugely positive impact at Ackworth School.”
Gary Childs’ appointment comes as part of Ackworth School’s continued efforts to provide an elite footballing environment for its students, strengthened by its partnership with Harrogate Town AFC. This collaboration offers students access to top-level coaching, facilities, and pathways into professional football. With Childs’ extensive experience and commitment, the school is poised to enhance its football programme further.
Dec 9, 2024 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Senior School, Sport
Our U16 Boys Football Team created Ackworth School history by becoming the West Yorkshire County Champions earlier this week. The boys were victorious beating Brooksbank School 7 – 4 in a pulsating final. Watched by family and friends, the boys put on a show playing some fantastic football in both halves of the pitch. It was Ackworth who were more clinical in front of goal scoring some well worked goals.
With 20 minutes left of the match Ackworth were 3 – 4 down and had played the game with only 10 players for almost 60 minutes. But with grit, determination, and pieces of individual brilliance, Ackworth came through at the end strong and finished the game with goals to put the game out of reach for Brooksbank.
James Bower, Head of PE said “the boys have been amazing to work with over the last 3 years, from last year getting into the last 32 in the country, to now being crowned West Yorkshire champions, it is credit to all of the students who have put in the hard work and wanted to build on the high standards set each year. I am extremely proud of each student, and I wish them all the success in the future”.
John McDermott, our Director of Football said “I’m very, very proud of the players achievements, being the first team to bring silverware to the school. Well done boys!”
Nov 20, 2024 | Boarding, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
Three of Ackworth School’s Football Academy players were selected this week to join the Harrogate Town Academy side in their FA Youth Cup third round match against Birmingham City.
Chester, Charlie and Reece joined the team in a commanding performance earning a 3 – 1 victory against Birmingham City at The Exercise Stadium, with Chester scoring the final goal of the match with only ten minutes to spare, securing the win for Harrogate.
Ackworth School’s Director of Football, and former PFA Merit Award winner, John McDermott said “Our unique partnership with Harrogate Town AFC gives our players not only the opportunity to play at the highest levels of school football, but also to compete on a national level against professional academy teams. I am proud of the dedication that Chester, Charlie and Reece have shown to secure their place in the Harrogate Town Academy team“.
Ackworth School’s Football Academy first team continue their excellent start to the season of 12 wins in 13 games against Boston Spa or Bingley Grammar School next week in the West Yorkshire Cup final.
Aug 22, 2024 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Quaker, Senior School
Ackworth School is delighted to announce another year of remarkable GCSE achievements. Over one-third of all grades earned by students were at the top levels (grades 9-7), with 48.1% of grades falling between 9 and 6, and an impressive 87.9% within the 9 to 4 range. These results underscore the commitment, diligence, and academic prowess of our students, supported by fantastic support and guidance from our teaching staff.
Among the standout performers is Jodie from Wormersley, who secured an impressive six grade 9s and four grade 8s. Other remarkable achievements include Eleanor from Billingley with five grade 9s, four grade 8s, and one grade 7; Jessica from South Elmsall with six grade 9s, two grade 8s, and two grade 7s; and Shanali from Knottingley, who achieved six grade 9s, two grade 8s, one grade 7, and one grade 6. Additionally, Marvin from Hong Kong earned four grade 9s, two grade 8s, and one grade 7, while Caitlin from Pontefract secured two grade 9s, six grade 8s, and two grade 7s.
Headteacher Martyn Beer expressed his pride in the students, stating, “I am immensely proud of all our pupils’ achievements this year. Their hard work has truly paid off, as reflected in today’s excellent results. I am looking forward to witnessing their continued success as they move on to Sixth Form, not only in their academic pursuits but also as they grow and thrive as individuals, guided by our holistic approach to education and our Quaker values.”
About Ackworth School:
Ackworth School is a co-educational independent school in West Yorkshire, offering day and boarding education for students aged 2 to 18. Founded in 1779, the school is committed to nurturing individual talent and promoting academic excellence within a caring and supportive environment.
If you would like to find out more about how Ackworth School can support your child to unlock their full academic potential, why not book a place at our Open Morning on Thursday 10 October 2024 or contact our admissions team on admissons@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233621.
